Checkpoint Systems Launches Next Generation of EAS Solutions

THOROFARE, N.J. – May 27, 2014 – Checkpoint Systems, Inc., (NYSE:CKP) a leading global supplier of merchandise availability solutions for the retail industry, today announced the launch of the next generation of intelligent electronic article surveillance (EAS) solutions.

The EVOLVE iRange, developed alongside global retailers, comprises six different state-of-the-art EAS antennas, a broad range of EAS labels designed for visible and source-tagging application to various types of merchandise, and the Counterpoint iD deactivation unit for faster and consistent deactivation at point-of-sale (POS).

Together, the portfolio promises to deter theft from potential shoplifters, a high degree of confidence that protected merchandise has been deactivated efficiently to avoid unpleasant false alarms for honest shoppers, and security that the antenna alarms are indeed shoplifting attempts so store personnel can respond appropriately. Initial tests have resulted in increased product availability at test stores, improved in-store efficiency at the POS and an increase in positive attitudes towards the shopping experience for consumers.

EAS Jammer detection technology is one of the latest additions to the EVOLVE iRange. Integrated into antennas within the portfolio, the system identifies if an EAS ‘jammer’ has been brought into the store and activates an alarm, which alerts staff to the potential threat. This acts as a strong deterrent for possible shoplifters and organized retail crime members, resulting in abandoning the shoplifting attempt.

A wide selection of new visible labeling solutions is also now available to deter potential thieves and enable retailers to keep their merchandise safely on display and on the shelf available for purchase. The Micro range – which includes the new EP Clear Micro Tamper Tag, one of the world’s smallest tamper tags – can act as a visible yet discreet deterrent to shoplifters when placed on the outside of packaging. Of great importance to retailers and consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers was the fact that the new tamper tag is so small it can be applied without obscuring any vital product information on the packaging. This technological innovation would not be possible without the latest developments in detection and deactivation, allowing the tiny footprint of Micro range of labels to deter, deactivate and detect better than ever before. This also enables retailers and CPGs to protect a wider range of products and increase their on-shelf availability.

Another important innovation developed with partner retailers is realized with Counterpoint iD. This POS deactivation solution offers high-speed deactivation – for tags and labels of all sizes - at a lower energy consumption rate than previously possible. This in itself will reduce energy costs that will quickly pay for the system. By delivering secure, rapid and guaranteed deactivation at the POS, retailers are able to improve in-store efficiency with faster point of sales transactions, increasing the overall consumer shopping experience.

Ensuring with a high degree of confidence that antenna alarms are indeed shoplifting attempts has historically been a problem for retailers. Through superior built-in electronics, the new state-of-the-art antennas in the Evolve iRange are able to offer retail stores enhanced detection capabilities, whatever the size or position of the EAS label. When used in conjunction with the Micro range of labels, the combined system is able to reduce store shrinkage by 30% in field tests. The resulting reduction in out-of-stocks and increased merchandise availability also increased sales by an average of 10%.

Farrokh Abadi, president & COO, Merchandise Availability Solutions at Checkpoint Systems, commented, “Having the right product available in the right place at the right time is essential for retailers seeking to enhance the in-store shopping experience and increase sales. In order to do this, retailers need to have a complete solution in place to deter theft, deactivate merchandise and detect stolen items quickly and efficiently. Years of research, development and experience have been packed into our new EVOLVE iRange to make it the most complete EAS solution we’ve ever produced – and the figures prove that it actually works.”

Interested parties can contact local Checkpoint offices regarding availability for these solutions.

Checkpoint Systems is a global leader in merchandise availability solutions for the retail industry, encompassing loss prevention and merchandise visibility. Checkpoint provides end-to-end solutions enabling retailers to achieve accurate real-time inventory, accelerate the replenishment cycle, prevent out-of-stocks and reduce theft, thus improving merchandise availability and the shopper’s experience. Checkpoint's solutions are built upon 45 years of radio frequency technology expertise, innovative high-theft and loss-prevention solutions, market-leading RFID hardware, software, and comprehensive labeling capabilities to brand, secure and track merchandise from source to shelf. Checkpoint's customers benefit from increased sales and profits by implementing merchandise availability solutions to ensure the right merchandise is available at the right place and time when consumers are ready to buy. Listed on the NYSE (NYSE: CKP), Checkpoint operates in every major geographic market and employs more than 4700 people worldwide.